Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-06-30

be called at the same time in their re-
spective parishes. It is regarded as
unlucky for prospective bride and
groom to hear their own bans read
| out. They must, however. each be
represented by friend
Until very lately weddings always
took place in the morning or high
noon, save by special license. The
ceremony is always performed in
church. although the Jews Of London
solemnize the rites either in the syna-
gogue or at the house of the bride.
ANY one who chooses may enter the
church and witness the ceremony. but
il is usual to invite intimate
friends of the family to accompany
the bridal party to the church. The
custom of bridemaids is more general
here than even in America; but, save
among very wealthy people. the cos
TUNES on these occasions are plain
either light silk or travelling dress.
Flowers. as in America, are present in
more or less profusion. Notwithstand-
ing the nearness Of the warm coun.
tries Of the continent and the cheap
ness of their blossoms when sent here.
natural orange blossoms are not much
used by the middle classes White Ii
laos are more favored as brides bios
sons The vail is nearly always worn.
No matter what the dress may be, the
bridal vail is looked upon as a prime
essential.
If there be property on both sides or
on either side settlements are made
through the medium of the respective
family solicitors Of the parties An
old English custom still in vogue
among high and low alike. makes it
imperative that the bride shall take
her household linen to her intended
lord. While he furnishes the house
she provides the linen, which natural
ly varies in quality and quantity with
her pecuniary position. An English
girl. however humble her position may
be, regards this provision of linen as a
sacred duty from her childhood up. 1t
is considered womanly obligation.
When the marriage ceremonies have
been concluded and the books signed
in the vestry-room, fee is paid to the
parish clerk, to be shared with the
vicar, with small gratuity to the
parish beadle. This fee may be as
large as generosity will permit. but it
should be at least fifteen shillings,
though where there is poverty, it may
be as low as five shillings. but not
lower. On leaving the church the
friends assembled shower the newly
welded couple with rice and slippers.
If the bride weep copiously it is re-
garded as good omen, while it is con-
sidered an evil omen if she do not
weep. In the good old days. when
witchcraft was matter Of common be-
lief. it was said that witch could only
shed three tears from her left eye.
Therefore to weep copiously from both
eyes was ample proof that the bride
was not given over to Satan and his
ways.
As the bridal party leave the church
there is in waiting special carriage
for the bride, called a .'bride coach"
1t is quite a sumptuous affair. with
plenty of plate glass. In fact, the en-
tire front of the body is Of glass. The
fittings inside are Of elaborate white
satin. All these customs are, of course,
those of the middle classes. While the
same customs to certain extent pre-
vail everywhere, here great wealth
sometimes makes decided changes in
the mode Of procedure.
Arrived at home there is the tradi-
tional old English breakfast spread.
now honored more in the breach than
in the observance. This breakfast is
in effect dinner. although the feast is
usually a cold one-game of all kinds.
wines, fruits. salads, buildings, etc.
and in the center of the table the
brides cake, portions Of which are later
on sent to the various friends of both
parties The bride alone must cut the
cake. thus beginning the feast. But
the cake has already been stabbed in
slight preparation for the cutting by
the bride. For the bride to keep por-
ton of her cake is said to be "lucky."
Tradition has il that the Queen of En-
gland has still in her possession a
goodly portion Of her wedding-cake.
Directly the cake is cut the father, or
the one nearest of kin to the bride
groom, makes congratulatory speech
to the bride. The reply is made for